Monthly Archives: March 2016

You guys know me well enough by now to know that cooking is a pretty big part of my life. The act of making something for others, then sitting around and enjoying it together, well, I can’t think of anything better. When I started this blog one of my goals was to share and create recipes that I could have in one place. I did it years ago on my old blog, The Vintage Wife, but over time it got easier and easier not to write down recipes or photograph my dishes.

I have been toying with the idea of sharing recipes regularly in this space for many months, but didn’t know where to start. I felt like the majority of the dishes I make were either not very interesting, or were someone else’s recipe.

So, I finally decided to start where I am.

This is a dish we eat so frequently in our house. It is easy to throw together, it is full of flavor, and the kids love it. It makes for a simple and filling lunch with rice and a bit of yogurt, or a nice side to a main course. I always make a double batch so we can have it for a few days in the fridge–and the flavors continue to develop and in my opinion taste even better the next day!

In a medium sized pot over medium-low heat add ghee, onions, and dried chilies. Stir every few minutes until onions are soft.

Sift through and rinse the red lentils until the water runs clear.

To the pot add lentils, water, turmeric, ground coriander, ginger, and salt. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer, stirring every few minutes. Cook for 25 minutes, adding more water if it appears to be getting too dry (or if you like a soupier dal).

In a small sautee pan over medium heat add the cumin seeds and toast, shaking frequently until they are very aromatic and slightly darker in color, about thirty seconds. Stir cumin seeds, cilantro, and butter (optional) into the dal. Taste to adjust seasonings.

Serve over rice with a bit of yogurt on the side and garnish with more cilantro.

I just got finished watching the Michael Pollan documentary series, Cooked (available on Netflix), and like all his works, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The four part series focused on the different elements (fire, water, air, and earth), and the role these elements play in our food cycle. While the majority of it was not new information to me, it was still a fun watch, and totally inspiring.

I love nothing more than spending a good chunk of time in the kitchen, though it isn’t always possible with two little ones, careful preparation and thought have really helped me to get better about cooking us a nutritious and tasty meal.

The most delicious sprout salad from Heidi Swanson’s amazing book, Near and Far. Recipe also available on her website. Even my vegetable hater loved this dish.

I recently got my hands on Alice Water’s latest book, My Pantry. It is a short, but very sweet little book, with great ideas and inspiration. Within its pages are recipes for making more of our usually store bought items from scratch, as well as a few more unusual ideas to add a little jazz to the most ordinary of meals. I have already started a few kitchen projects, but the one I am most excited about is the apple peel cider vinegar I am fermenting. (I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review)

Kimchi, and other ferments happening.

Rasam, also from Near and Far alongside some fresh baked naan bread. So tasty, but a bit too spicy for the kids to enjoy.

Hello! I am Cedar, a wife and mama of two. I am passionate about whole foods and have always felt a strong push to DIY everything I can. I enjoy sewing, knitting, reading, cooking, and thrifting for vintage goodies. I am a country mouse living in the city and looking forward to the day I can get back to the land. Thank you for stopping by, I would love to hear from you!